TV18 infotainment channel launch put off

Television Eighteen India Limited (TV18) has decided put on hold the launch of its infotainment channel. According to the company sources the project is in limbo now, as TV 18 have not been able to tie up the finances for the project. For the moment TV 18 is focussing on CNBC India.

Industry sources say that the finances for new channels is becoming very difficult to get. An infotainment channel would typically have a mix of programmes ranging from soaps to current affairs and even news. These programmes would be in both Hindi and English and would cater to the non-resident Indian Diaspora.

According to the industry sources there is little room for infotainment channels as the market is already crowded. DD International, the infotainment channel of the national broadcaster for international audiences, also does not seemed to have created any dent.

The overall downtrend in the economy and the reduction in advertising spends has forced channels to rework their strategies. Channels such as Sony are postponing their plans to launch more entertainment channels in the near future.